Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP, Invested as the Dr. William and Carol Carpenter Professor of Psychiatry for Mental Illness Research

Professorship Acknowledges Fundamental Contributions of Distinguished Professor, Dr. Carpenter, and Celebrates Excellence in Research for Schizophrenia

Members of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) community, joined by an audience of family members, friends and distinguished guests, recently gathered in Westminster Hall to witness the installation of Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP, Professor of Psychiatry at UMSOM and Affiliate Professor in the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP), as the inaugural Dr. William and Carol Carpenter Professor of Psychiatry for Mental Illness Research. The endowed professorship was named in honor of William T. Carpenter, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at UMSOM and past Director of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC), and his wife Mrs. Carol Carpenter, an award-winning artist. The generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Carpenter and many friends, colleagues, trainees, and organizations funded the professorship.

Jill RachBeisel, MD, DFAPA, the Dr. Irving J. Taylor Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at UMSOM, served as the host of the installation event, along with Christopher P. O’Donnell, PhD, Professor in the Department of Medicine and Vice Dean for Research Development and Operations at UMSOM.

A virtual recording from Mark T. Gladwin, MD, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine, was shared with the audience since he was unable to attend the ceremony.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Deanna Kelly on her appointment to this prestigious position,” said Dean Gladwin, who is also Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore. “Her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the field of mental illness research is truly remarkable. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her new role.”

Among the speakers at the ceremony were Dr. Carpenter, along with Robert W. Buchanan, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UMSOM; Raymond C. Love, PharmD, BCPP, FASHP, Professor Emeritus at UMSOP; and Gloria M. Reeves, MD, Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Research Services in the Department of Psychiatry at UMSOM.

Dr. Kelly, who is also the acting director of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC), leads the Treatment Research Program where she has been on the faculty for more than 26 years. She received her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Pharmacy at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She completed residency training in psychiatric pharmacy practice at the University of Maryland in 1997 and became board certified in psychiatric pharmacy practice in 1998. Dr. Kelly has led and been involved in numerous clinical trials in schizophrenia and severe mental illness and has been active in research for nearly 25 years.

Dr. Carpenter obtained his medical degree from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. After an internship at the North Carolina Baptist Hospital, he did his postgraduate training at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He became a world-renowned expert in schizophrenia, including phenomenology, etiology, pathophysiology, anatomy, and treatment. He made original and fundamental contributions to the field of schizophrenia diagnosis and treatment in psychopathology, assessment methodology, testing of novel treatments, and research ethics. 

Dr. Carpenter, who was unable to attend the ceremony in person, prepared a pre-recorded message in celebration of the momentous occasion. He expressed his reasons for why Dr. Kelly deserved the named professorship: “For the incredible wisdom, energy, and orientation that we all see in what she has accomplished for schizophrenia -- for the well-being of all who work with her -- for the range of new ideas and goals -- and for the incredible time and thought she devotes to patients, staff, and science.”

Dr. Buchanan referred to Dr. Kelly as “a force of nature, never to be underestimated.” He continued, “She is remarkably intelligent and has boundless energy and enthusiasm… But what makes Deanna unique is her ability to take on impossible challenges and succeed.”

In recognition of Dr. Kelly’s accomplishments, Dr. Love warmly expressed, “She has a stellar record of contribution to our field through excellence in scholarship, teaching and service.”

Dr. Reeves spoke directly to Dr. Kelly thanking her for being a role model.

“Thank you for your example, your encouragement, and for bringing together this amazing group of people… I will always remember how you made me feel when you invited me to speak at this event,” she said. “I truly admire you and am so grateful for your example.”

Dr. Kelly was then presented with the Investiture Medal and expressed her gratitude directly to those affected by schizophrenia, including their families.    

 “Because of you, we strive to be better each day,” said Dr. Kelly. “While you and your families know firsthand the challenges and struggles in your path, please know that we are inspired by your stories, bravery, and patience… You are my heroes, and I hope you feel my support and adoration.”

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